Columbia police confirm two overnight shootings

COLUMBIA, Mo. - On Wednesday the Columbia Police Department confirmed they are investigating two overnight shootings, more than 12 hours after the initial call.

Officers set up a crime scene in 100 block Woodlawn Avenue late Tuesday night. Investigators only told ABC 17 News that they were investigating a crime scene, despite initial reports of shots fired from a vehicle on Woodlawn and Hickman Avenues just after 9:30 p.m.

Officers left the scene without confirming they had a suspect description, or if they found evidence. On Wednesday morning, the department officially said officers found several shell casings in the area.

A 24 year-old man said shots were fired in his direction, but he was not hit. The suspects were described as two black men in dark clothing inside a newer, light-colored Nissan sedan.

A few hours later, gunshots were also reported around 12:45 a.m. near an apartment complex at 2613 Quail Drive. Police found more shell casings, but did not find any victims or property damage. Suspect descriptions are unknown.

Investigators do not know if the crimes are related, but both cases are active and ongoing.

If you have any information, you can call Crime Stoppers at (573) 875-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

Stay with ABC 17 News and abc17news.com for updates on this developing story.